Cork Decoy Painting 101?

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
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Can someone direct an artistically-challenged middle aged man to simple directions for repainting cork decoys? I have picked up some old LL Bean cork goldeneyes that are in good shape but the paint is very faded. I'd like to repaint them, but it will be the first thing I've painted other than a wall or a boat since 9th grade art class, so I need some really basic instructions.

One question--the Bean's cork decoys appear not to be sealed--the texture in the cork is still visible. Should I seal this before I repaint? Do I need to sand off the existing paint to do it?
 
Jeff -
I have 4 Bean cork mallards I am in the process of redoing as well. Here are my steps...

I re-secured the wooden "O ring" where the head meets the body.
Used wood filler and TiteBond III to strengthen the tails.
I ran 2 dowells half way up the decoy in the rear section of the bird as the old ones have a tendency to fail there.
One light sanding and they are ready to seal.
I will seal with a 50/50 mix of Mineral spirits and Spar by completely submerging as much of the decoy as possible (5 gallon bucket) and wait until it stops bubbling. I will do this twice with a very light sanding in between.
A light sand then paint with whatever you want.

Not saying there aren't better ways, but that is the way I am going to do it.

Here is what I started with :)
Bean.jpg

 
My advice is: do what you can do and don't do what you can't do. A simple paint job, done well, looks better than a more detail paint scheme done poorly. That is why I try to stay simple.
 
My advice is: do what you can do and don't do what you can't do. A simple paint job, done well, looks better than a more detail paint scheme done poorly. That is why I try to stay simple.

Yup! I'm not about to try any detailed feathering. Just want to brighten these up a bit. Live goldeneyes are pretty bright and high contrast, and these certainly don't look right on the water.

Thanks for the tips.
 
Jeff,

These are Rustoleum White & Black paint with a touch of burnt umber tint in each. Slap on a couple of coats and get them wet!

Scott

GEsuccess.jpg

 
Jeff,

These are Rustoleum White & Black paint with a touch of burnt umber tint in each. Slap on a couple of coats and get them wet!

Scott



But it looks like they only decoy geese . . . . . . . . .. .
 
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